The Australian tree fern, with its graceful, arching fronds and scaly trunk, is a sight to behold in any landscape. This magnificent plant has captivated gardeners and nature lovers for decades with its exotic, tropical allure However, many who wish to grow Australian tree ferns wonder – just how fast do these imposing plants grow? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the growth rate of Australian tree ferns
Cyathea cooperi is the scientific name for Australian tree ferns. They are native to Australia and Tasmania and do best in warm, humid places. In their natural rainforest habitat, they can grow up to 50 feet tall, but in gardens, they usually only get to be 15 to 25 feet tall when fully grown. When fully grown, their fronds can be 10 to 12 feet wide or more. The trunk of the Australian tree fern has a unique pattern of leaf scars that make it look handsome and sculptural.
Factors That Influence Growth Rate
Like any plant, there are a few key factors that affect how fast your Australian tree fern will grow:
-
Climate – Australian tree ferns naturally prefer warm temperatures and high humidity. In zone 8-11, you can grow them outdoors successfully. In cooler climates, you may need to grow them in containers that can be moved indoors as needed.
-
Exposure to the sun—Some shade and dappled sunlight are best. Too much harsh sun will scorch the fronds.
-
Soil – Rich, moist, well-draining soil will encourage the fastest growth.
-
Watering – Consistent moisture is a must! Allowing the soil to dry out completely will slow growth.
-
Fertilization – During the growing season, feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Estimating the Growth Rate
Given proper care and conditions, Australian tree ferns are considered relatively fast growers compared to other ferns. On average, you can expect:
- Year 1 – 12-24 inches of growth
- Year 2 – 18-36 inches of growth
- Year 3 – 24-48 inches of growth
- Year 4+ – 36-60 inches of growth per year
As you can see, the plant grows faster as it gets older. If everything goes well, your Australian tree fern could easily grow three feet or more every year after it is established.
Caring for Your Tree Fern
To encourage rapid growth of your Australian tree fern, follow these care tips:
- Plant in rich, organic soil amended with compost.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- Water 1-2 times per week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Mist the fronds frequently to boost humidity.
- Feed monthly during spring and summer with balanced fertilizer.
- Prune away any dead or damaged fronds.
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Shelter from strong winds and extreme weather shifts.
- Repot annually in early spring until maturity.
- In winter, protect outdoor plants from frost and freeze damage.
Admiring Your Rapidly Growing Fern
With the proper location and care, it is possible to achieve growth rates at the upper end of the expected range. Sit back and enjoy watching your Australian tree fern thrive. In just a few short years, this tropical beauty can reach majestic proportions and become a stunning focal point in your garden. Its lush, graceful fronds and sculptural trunk will evoke Images of wandering through a rainforest glen.
The fast growth rate of the Australian tree fern makes it a great choice for gardeners looking to add drama and exotic appeal to their outdoor space. Though it requires a bit more attention than some plants, properly cared for tree ferns are vigorous growers. Your efforts will be rewarded with a landscape showstopper that is sure to impress.
Everything you need to know about tree ferns
Tree ferns have all-root trunks, so you can cut one down with a chainsaw, take off all the fronds, put it in a clean, cold container, send it halfway around the world, plant it in a pot, and let it start a new life. The idea that this can be done with utter impunity is untrue, though. It will certainly notice but, given time and the right spot, it will regain its former majesty. When the tree is planted and the base of the trunk touches wet compost, it starts to grow new roots. Itll often take 12 months to fill a standard pot with roots.
The taller the tree fern, the longer it takes for the fronds to unfurl following their journey. When the new fronds first come up, they kind of look like an orangutan’s clenched index finger. They can be fully spread out in six weeks, with an arching span of six to eight feet.
The rate of growth varies enormously, according to microclimate and soil conditions. An okay Dicksonia will produce a new rosette of fronds in the spring and then stop growing until the following spring. A happy Dicksonia will do the same, but then just carry on chucking out new fronds at an extraordinary rate. They grow in profusion in well protected coastal gardens from west Dorset, around the Cornish peninsula and all the way to north west Scotland. Also, in central London they’ve become common place, with the South East of England following close behind.
How often to water tree ferns
We would suggest you use an irrigation system and make sure the dripper stake is stuck securely into the crown. If using the garden hose also water directly into the crown, dampening the trunk as well, remember this is part of the root system. When it’s hot, daily watering is required whether through an automatic system or manually with a hose. The key is to regularly look at your tree fern and assess their condition, gently rock the trunk slightly, it should feel sturdy but not too heavy. A dry, flaky and hollow sounding trunk or wilting and drying fronds can indicate stress from too little water. Too much water leads to rotting crowns. Feel the soil and trunk – the ground should not feel dry and pale or too dark and sodden. As you approach the winter you should turn off your irrigation system. As with all plants, the trick is to remain balanced and avoid any sudden dramatic changes to plant care – often human intervention is the biggest killer of plants.
Is It a Cyathea or a Dicksonia? 12 Foot Australian Tree Fern | How Will This Fit in My Garden?
FAQ
How long does it take for a fern to fully grow?
It can take several years for most ferns to reach their full size, but this varies a lot from variety to variety.
What is the fastest growing tree fern?
Cyathea cooperi, commonly known as the Cooper’s tree fern, is indeed a popular and fast-growing species of tree fern, especially favored in warmer climates.
What is the lifespan of a tree fern?
Plant Profile: Once replanted the new tree ferns will naturally begin to grow once again. With a lengthy life span (up to 250 years), Tree Ferns are great for carbon capture.
What conditions do Australian tree ferns like?
The Australian Tree Fern is very easy to grow and does best in places with mild winters, dappled sunlight, and lots of water. It stands out in architecture and looks beautiful in gardens (where it can survive the winter) and containers.
How tall does the Australian Tree Fern grow?
Cyathea Cooperi, the Australian Tree Fern, is a fast growing tree fern that grows to 20 feet and spreads up to about 8 to 12 feet.
How do you grow a tree fern in Australia?
You can improve drainage by planting your tree fern on a slope or by adding drainage material such as gravel or sand to the soil. Australian tree ferns need ample space to grow and thrive. The plant’s mature size means that it will require plenty of room for its fronds to spread out.
Are Australian tree ferns better than Tasmanian ferns?
The Australian Tree Fern offers a tropical aesthetic that’s hard to beat, while the Tasmanian Tree Fern’s denser, more structured look gives my garden a distinctive and stately feel. How fast do Australian tree ferns grow?
Is Australian tree fern a perennial?
The Australian tree fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi) is a tropical evergreen prized for its striking appearance and adaptability. Belonging to the Cyatheaceae family, this perennial plant is native to Australia and has become a popular choice for shady gardens due to its lush, ornamental appeal.
Are Australian tree ferns healthy?
Australian tree ferns are a beautiful addition to any garden or outdoor space. Their lush green fronds and tall, elegant stature make them a standout feature in any landscape. However, to keep your tree fern healthy and thriving, it’s important to provide it with the right care and attention.
Can Australian tree ferns grow indoors?
In colder areas, you can grow the fern in a container, which gives you the flexibility to move it indoors for the fall and winter once temperatures drop too low. Keep the soil moist at all times. Australian tree ferns are not drought-tolerant and need weekly watering.